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Till this day, my 20 year old little brother still loves to wander into LEGO stores to unleash his inner kid. Since 1949, the internationally acclaimed construction toy company have grown immensely. Their global popularity has developed from supporting movie, games, competitions, theme-parks and corporations. One partnership in particular has recently sparked controversy. Please watch the video below. LEGO’s partnership with the Royal Dutch Shell pIc, also commonly known as Shell the multinational oil and Gas Company, started in 1966. Shell’s logo is featured in several LEGO promotional sets such as in the blockbuster hit, The Lego Movie. Environmental activist group, Greenpeace and London based agency, Don’t Panic, teamed up together to create “Everything is Not awesome”. The viral video is designed to be a double edge sword, intended to pressure the big toy makers of LEGO to drop their partnership with Shell and to highlight their new campaign targeting Shell’s motivations to drill in the Arctic for Oil. LEGO believes that their partnership with Shell will help them achieve their mission to expand their network reach, increasing children’s access to their toys, which will further help explore their creativity and innovations. However, partnering with the gas company goes against LEGO’s progressive environmental views and policies. Every company has the responsibility to choose their partners and suppliers ethically. It is hypocritical to align yourself with companies that fail to represent your core values. Brands and logos are all around us and influence our purchasing power. Children are extremely impressible and LEGO’s association with Shell will heavily influence children to associate Shell in a positive light believing that the company is a safe, acceptable and ethical option. The partnership will also improve Shell’s public image by diverting attention from their plans to raid the Arctic for oil. LEGO says it wants to leave a better world for children and has progressive environmental views and policies but partnering with Shell, one of the biggest climate polluters on the planet and threatening the Arctic, clearly goes against their core values. We need to be reminded that “Everything is Not Awesome” is not against LEGO or about the oil industry in general. It is about preventing companies, in this case Shell, from drilling for oil in the Arctic. Shell’s desire to drill in the Arctic can have devastating impacts on the natural surrounding environment which will heighten the effects of climate change especially if there were to be an oil spill in Arctic. An oil spill in the arctic will affect the wildlife in four major ways

Drilling oil in the Arctic will melt glaciers at an faster rate causing glaciers to break away

Oil on fur will reduce the thermal properties of animals which will affect their inability to keep warm

There will be a spread of toxic contamination found in oil if ingested, inhaled or absorb by animals and surrounding environment

A reduction in food if prey or other resources becomes unavailable or inaccessible

It is important that we take action and urge LEGO to do the same. I urge you to sign Greenpeace’s petition, pressure LEGO into re-thinking their relationship with Shell. LEGO needs to stand up for the Arctic, for our environment, and for our children and future generations. I urge you to stay informed of the partnerships and endorsements that household brands commit to. And with that I ask you your thoughts and opinions on this matter.

I miss the days when news segments had real solid news worthy stories about local, national and international issues and that lasted longer than 10 minutes. I miss the days when journalism was about getting to the hard truth, finding evidence and bring those stories to the viewers at home. But lately I’ve found that news stations and journalism has become about stories that are trending on social media and will get the most buzz worth attention. The warrant for Justin Biebers arrest gained more air time than real current events that were affecting the lives of many Canadians and global citizens. The lack of coverage on prevailing issues affecting climate change and the Canadian environment is largely at fault by Prime Minister Harper’s communication directive that prevents scientist from speaking to the media without permission.

The Harper government has restricted the ability of Canadian scientist to speak to the public, media, and other scientist regarding climate change and other environmental issues. Scientist have been asked to exclude or alter technical information in government documents for non-specific reasons and have been prevented from responding to the media or the public. As a result, media coverage on these issues have significantly drop by 80% since 2007.Scientists are required to get permission from their political superiors before answering any media request. This hindrance has further reduced the number of request for climate change coverage and detail of accurate information within governmental reports. It is clear that the Canadian government is doing all that they can to monitor and restrict the flow of information especially concerning research into climate change, fisheries, and anything to do the Alberta Tar Sand.

Which leads us to question if Harper’s regime has begun to follow a Big Brother system, regulating and controlling the information that is readily available for the public. Without this information present it will guarantee an increase in public ignorance regarding these issues. It is obvious that the Harper government is more concerned with keep professionals from talking about these issues rather than fixing them.

Mr. Harper couldn’t care less about the environment and this form of censorship compromises the health and safety of Canadians. Scientists lose their ability to develop effective and sufficient policy laws and programs that are based on scientific evidence and facts that will ensure a better/safer environment for further generation.

Society has lobbied against many different international regulatory bodies for their form of censorship but it is time that Canadians stand up to the Harper government and gain back our freedom and the freedom of our scientist to do the duty to share and inform the public about their research and findings. The Canadian government must be held accountable for their actions, especially at the stake of the future generations. Canadians must raise up and force our federal government to be more transparent about their action.

Feel free to voice your comments, concerns, questions and opinions. And with that I leave with Rick Mercers views on muzzle on scientist.

When I was little, my grandparents, mom, uncles and aunts used to tell me stories of their childhood and life in Sri Lanka. My mom told me stories of her days climbing trees, eating fresh fruits off tree and running track for her school. One of her brothers told me about his days woeing girls with his charm and looks. My Patta (grandfather), told me about his days as police chief; going through the jungle looking for rebels but found a monkey and kept him as a pet. And I remember another uncle telling me how he watched man get burned alive right in front of him for being a Tamil. I remember my amamma (grandma), telling me that she had to get my mom to the neighbours house and they both watched as the army burned their house down.

The civil war in Sri Lanka forced a lot of Tamils such as my mom and her family to immigrate to several different western countries; Canada England, Australia. Yet, no matter how far you go, the terrors of war will always follow you. My family was fortunate enough that they were out of the country before the conflicts go worst. But most people around the world aren’t fortunate enough.

Over a billion people all around the world are impacted by civil conflicts, terror, discrimination, and war. Death, illness, poverty hunger, and fear surrounds their lives. Pictures of war, dying and hungry children, blood, and death have been plastered on media outlets including movies, videos games and music videos. However, I think people have become desensitized from these images, articles, and reports. We care too much of our own daily struggles that we forget that people around the world are dying from these traumatic conflicts.

Just because it isn’t happening here doesn’t mean it isn’t happening. What if the roles were switched? Wouldn’t you want someone to care, to fight for your freedom, to make it all go away so you could live peacefully? No one deserve to live in fear. No one should live in fear.

I urge you to watch the following video from Save the Children entitled “Most Shocking Second a day video”. I urge you to open your eyes and ears and understand that, that little girl could be your sister, mom, daughter, friend, wife, lover or even you. No one will ever understand the extent of what these children face in Syria and all over the world. But the video will make you reflect.

Reflect on your choices, and be grateful for the freedoms, rights and security that you have been granted. Be grateful that you are allowed to have a voice and are not living in fear. I urge you to take a stand and pursue your governmental officials to intervene, to save the children and the vulnerable.

“Because I am a woman, I must make unusual efforts to succeed. If I fail, no one will say, ‘She doesn’t have what it takes’. They will say, ‘women don’t have what it takes.” – Clare Boothe Luce

For as long as I could remember, being a girl came with double standards. I was urged to reach for the stars, push for greatness and be the best that I could be. Yet, being ‘like a girl’ was one of the biggest insults that you could say to any kid on the playground.

The fact that little girls believe that “like a girl” is an insult is disheartening. The phrase has lowered the confidence of many girls and continues to humiliate them.

Always and director Lauren Greenfield have teamed up to create an inspiring campaign that show how a simple phase can have a significant and long-lasting impact on girls and women. They have created a movement that will redefine the phase “like a girl” into a positive affirmation.

As Always says, “We’re kicking off an epic battle to make sure that girls everywhere keep their confidence throughout puberty and beyond, and making a start by showing them that doing it #LikeAGirl is an awesome thing.”

Every single girl has the ability to push the standards and boundaries that society has placed around them. Education needs to start now to remove the double standards and the negative cogitation around the phrase ‘Like a girl”.

I urge you all to take a stand and show young girls everywhere that #LikeAGirl should never be used as an insult. I urge you to let young girls know that they are special, strong, talented and amazing. And that they should never be ashamed of being themselves.

I am a student, a blogger, a development practitioner, an activists, an explorer. And I do all of this #LikeAGirl #Always

Congratulations!Today is your day.You’re off to Great Places!You’re off and away! – Dr. Seuss

Going off to university is a scary thing. We have all these ideas and dreams on how our university career will shape us. Upon applying to the University of Waterloo’s International Development program, I was ecstatic that we were given the opportunity to intern aboard with an NGO and make a change. Whether it be small or big, I was excitingly, impatiently, and hopefully waiting to finally reach that stage where I would be able to apply and be granted a placement. And finally, just a mere few weeks ago, after hearing countless stories from alumni and the graduating class, I finally received the letter. As cliché as it sounds, I remember everything about that day, what happened before and after. Getting that letter, was one of the happiest moments in my life (I literally cried in happiness, my dad thought I was crazy).

After months of waiting, it has been decided that I will be moving to Hue, Vietnam and working as an intern for the Consultative and Research Centre on Natural Resource Management (CORENARM). It’s going to be a mouthful saying that organization to all my friends and family now.

CORENARM is a local NGO of the ancient city of Hue that specializes in Resource conservation and management, sustainable livelihood for local communities, and climate change adaptation for local communities.

Through talking to the graduating class who just came back from their placements, I have learnt that placement is not about tangible roles and tasks that you complete within your NGO. It is about the experiences and opportunities that you make of it. It is about taking risks and trying new things. It is about the impact that a new culture and community can have on you. It is about the people that you meet who change your perspectives on what is important. There will be many frustrating challenges that I will have to overcome, but I am hopeful, optimist and excited to embark on this journey.

There is something powerful about being a part of something that is bigger than yourself. Being part of a moment in time where a group of strangers can come together for one unified cause. To be part of a social movement that is more than just a political protest but rather provide a hope that positive change is upon us.

Thanks to a couple of amazing women at the Women Center, the University of Waterloo held the first ever SlutWalk in the KW region just a few mere hours ago. I remember in the beginning of the winter term, one of my friends Erin (an executive of the Women Center) came into my room and told me all about her exciting new conquest at the Women Center to bring forth the SlutWalk to the University of Waterloo. I was amazed that it hadn’t had been brought forth sooner but I couldn’t have been prouder of the work that Erin among her fellow comrades did to accomplish this.

Up until a few hours ago,I had never participated in a SlutWalk let alone any rally or protest before. I remember hearing about the SlutWalk a few years back when I was in high school. I didn’t really know much about it other than it was a walk in protest to a comment made by some police officer where women could wear literally anything (or nothing) they wanted. As an ignorant teenager, I associated the Slutwalk as something that was very scandalous that only crazy people took part of. The whole concept of women walking around with literally nothing on didn’t make any sense to me, and I was just confused and baffled by the idea. However, fast forward to present day and through meeting some amazing people such as Erin and some of my fellow Indevours, I have learned the true meaning and now understand the main ideas behind the SlutWalk.

The SlutWalk is a monumental transnational movement of a march that is held to protest against explaining or excusing rape by referring to any aspect of a woman’s appearance and a call to end rape culture. The first ever SlutWalk was held on April 3rd 2011 in Toronto, Ontario and since then these marches have symbolized a unified statement about sexual assault and victims’ rights and to demand respect for all. This all started after Constable Michael Sanguinetti, a Toronto Police Force officer, made a public statement on January 24th, 2011 reiterating the Force’s views on sexual assault as “women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized”.Since the initial walk in Toronto, the SlutWalk has become more than a political protest but also about freedom of expression.

So without really knowing much about the SlutWalk, I did some research and then it dawned on me, what does one wear to a Slut-walk? One of my friends suggested that I wear a scandalous outfit that was sexy and revealed it all. Another agreed and suggested I go naked. I knew that some participants were going to be shirtless or wearing tight short clothing. And I didn’t want to stand out like a sore thumb if I didn’t conform to that. But then it hit me, I was no different than many other ignorant men and women who believed that the true underlying reason behind many sexual assault cases was because of how promiscuous a woman dressed. What I wore to a simple march let alone what I wear every day or when I go out with friends should not define me or label me as a “Slut”.

Many can argue that the SlutWalk is just a march that lacks the substance and drive to be a monumental movement. But I see it differently. I see it as something that is about to achieve its tipping point effect to break stereotypes and change the way modern society views violence against women. I mean looking back to when the walk first took place in 2011 and seeing it grow into something bigger is powerful. To see the effects that it has by raising awareness and generating discussion on the issues surrounding rape culture, victim blaming and slut shaming. It shows the power that a group of individuals can have to create change.The walk breaks the norms and perceptions that society has on how a “Slut” should look, act and dress. Hearing and seeing stories of rape victims who participated in the walk wear the clothes that they were raped in shows that rape and sexual assault can happen to anyone. It doesn’t matter what you wear, what your gender is or orientation. Rape and sexual assault can happen to anyone and perpetrators could be people close and dear to your heart. The SlutWalk brings light on the issue that how you dress and present yourself is not the cause for being assaulted it is just an excuse that the system and society think. Women are blamed and taught to apologize for provoking, taunting and teasing men. They are just asking for it by wearing seductive clothing and walking home alone at night. Victim blaming and slut shaming is a very real thing that is overlooked by society.

We focus on saving our world and protecting our planet but what about saving and protecting the lives of hundreds and thousands sexually assault victims. We need to start teaching men and women of all ages, race, and orientation that no one is ever asking to be raped or sexually assaulted. No means no. Everyone deserve to live a life without fear.

As the Toronto Mayoral election comes up, it is important to understand the facts and claims that candidates have made during the 2014 election campaign.

Canada’s latest international celebrity and butt of all jokes, Rob Ford has launched his election campaign with the main argument for his re-election as:

“I might be a mess in my private life, but look how much money I’ve shoveled into your pocket. I saved you a billion dollars, folks. That must make me the greatest mayor in the history of the city, if not the world. Guaranteed”.

I have gotten into a few arguments with peers regarding Mr. Ford and all of the super great things that he has done and contributed to the city, but I do agree that the one good thing that he has done was save the city millions of dollars. Upon election 4 years ago, Ford promised to cut $2 billion in spending without cutting a single service. It is true that Ford has eliminated the city’s dependence of $350 million in all kinds of surplus and reserve funds but that figure is no way near the billion dollar tax savings mark.

Toronto’s city manager, Joe Pennachetti, stated that there is a difference between budget savings and tax savings. In response to Ford’s tax saving arugments, Pennachetti argued:

“You can’t say, ‘I saved taxpayers a billion dollars’… That’s not a correct statement. Council reduced expenditure levels with a combination of cuts and revenues increase to minimize the tax increases… every mayor has done that”.

As the election campaign continues to unfold, the city manager and city’s chief financial officer have been caught up with just how much money Ford has saved for taxpayers during his time in office. Josh and his colleague, Daniel Dale, broke down and deconstructed Ford’s tax saving claims and accomplishments as stated in the article:

Fuel prices ended up lower than projected, so Ford claims the $23 million saved as part of mopping up the gravy. Interest rates dropped, saving another $36 million, and Ford portrays this as a tax saving.

User fees jumped $30 million under Ford; the mayor claims this as a tax saving because if he didn’t increase the fees — like transit fares — then taxes would go up on everyone. At the same time he stopped another user fee, the vehicle registration tax, but claimed that as a tax saving — even though it meant all taxpayers had to fill the revenue gap created.

The provincial government exempted the TTC from $54 million in “fringe benefits liabilities.” Ford takes credit for saving taxpayers $54 million

Through understanding these claims, it is evident to see that Ford has seriously stretched his claims. Ford had no power over fuel prices and interest rates. There needs to be another reason why people should re-elect Ford back into office. Over the past 4 years, what else has he done other than made a joke of Toronto?

I urge GTA voters to do some research and look through news articles, and mayoral candidates’ platform. Support a candidate whom you believe will benefit the city and the future generations. Not someone who is funny and “bad ass”. Toronto is a highly internationally recognized city that deserves the opportunity to have a mayor to lead them to future success.

Coming into university I had an idea of who I wanted to be and how I would achieve it. However, all those ideas, thoughts and opinions have completely changed. My life has been one heck of a roller coaster ride, anyone who knows me can attest to that. Looking back, to where I stand now is completely different than where I was a year ago or two years ago. It’s weird to think that so much has changed in such little time. But looking back through all these changes, I can truly say that I am completely happy with where I stand now, and as much as I hated those changes I am glad that they happened. I have learnt a lot about myself and what is truly important. The following are some of the main life lessons that I have learnt over the years.

Shit happens and it will completely tear your world upside down but you shouldn’t let that defeat you.

As Simba eloquently points out “Sometimes bad things happen, and there’s nothing you can do about it, so why worry?” . No one can control the future. Things happen unexpectedly all the time which can completely throw you off your game. But you shouldn’t let that affect you. I mean obviously, you are going to be upset but what is the point of letting that affect your day to day life? What is the point of letting that affect your goals in life. You can’t change what has happened, you can only accept it and learn to live and grow from it. Don’t let your past interfere with your future. You still have a full life ahead of you so continue living and prospering. So with that, its important to continue trucking along at the hardest of times

Follow your heart even if no one else agrees with it, you have to learn from your own mistakes

I will finally admit that I am very stubborn. I cant count how many times my family or friends have given me advice which I neglected to take until I finally realized that I should have. I tend to follow my heart, which has lead me to make a few mistakes over the years, but those mistakes have helped me become the person that I am today. I don’t regret any of the choices that I have made because of this. I stand behind all my decisions and I am grateful that I have learnt from everything. And with that Be yourself, don’t change for anyone. Be yourself, follow your heart and do the things that you think is best for you.

Do the things that you love, even if its small like drinking a chai tea. Being happy is important

I remember hearing a quote by John Lennon

“When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.”

I think it is extremely important to do the things that you love no matter what hey are; even if it’s small things like singing in the shower or just dancing awkwardly in your room. Happiness is the key to life. Without being happy what do you have really? What do you have to look forward to? I think that every decisions that I have made in my life, I have questioned if it would make me happy. I mentioned before I am one to follow my heart. I do things that make me happy because it makes life more fulfilling

Your family members can be hard asses at times but they always have your best interest at heart

There have been many moments in my life where my opinions have clashed with my parents. Looking back on those moments I understand why they made those decisions and wanted me to do things differently. I think it’s fair to say that I have grow to understand and value my parents opinions even if I may not agree with a few. Family will always be hard asses because they can. Everyone needs those few people to tell you how it is and I’m grateful that my family is able to do that. Even if it may take me awhile to accept it. I understand why they wanted those things for me and appreciate that those decisions have also helped me become the person that I am today.

Family comes in different shapes and forms.

Ever since I was little, I created many different families, field hockey family in high school, first year family, indevours family, doning family, blood related family. Family comes in different shapes and forms. I love that I have many unique families to support me through the different things in my life. I love that meeting all of these unique individuals has also added to the expansion of my horizons and perspectives on the world. I have learnt a lot about who I am and what I value through being a part of these different families.

But what I have truly learnt and will always take to heart is the importance of the people you surround yourself with. How their love, inspiration and admiration will continue to help you through anything. They will take your crap but will be there no matter what.

I expect that my list of life lessons will continue to grow as my journey continues and a series of different life events continue to unfold.

And with that I ask you, what life lessons have you taken to heart and learnt throughout the years?

The other day while scrolling through my tumblr, I stumbled upon an image of what appeared to be a recreated classic oil painting of a Hindu goddess. Over my life, I have seen many images of Hindu goddesses. But this particular image struck me the most. The subtle swollen lip, cuts and bruises drew me in and captivated me. Never have I seen anything like this; for an agency to have the balls to recreate a female religious figure in such way. To show the stark contrast of female figures in religion and myth to the reality of female lives in India and other parts of South Asia. To be honest, I never really thought about this contradiction until seeing the Abused Goddesses Campaign.

The campaign was created by an ad agency named Taproot who were commissioned by Save the Children to design a campaign for its Save Our Sisters Anti-Trafficking campaign. Abused Goddesses are recreated classic oil paintings of Hindu goddesses; Saraswati, Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth), and Durga (Goddess of Strength and invincibility). The twist of these images are that the models show subtle signs of physical abuse through black eyes, swollen lips, and/or cuts.These images showcase the growing issue and program facing Indian women, violence and safety. As the caption notes in the campaign;

Pray that we never see this day. Today, more than 68% of women in India are victims of domestic violence. Tomorrow, it seems like no woman shall be spared. Not even the ones we pray to.

In a 2011 Reuter report, India was named the 4th most dangerous country in the world for women to safely live in. According to Save Our Sisters, over 100 million Indians, predominately women and children are said to be involved in trafficking. Last year alone, over 224, 270 crimes against women were reported in the country. That goes without saying many cases went unreported.

Many things can be said about the effectiveness of this campaign. The simplicity of the design clearly draws in viewers to understand the intended message. But to use female religious figures to show this message is ballsy. Being a Hindu, it’s easy to see that Hindu gods are worshipped significantly. Gods and goddesses are everything to Hindus. Like many other religions, gods and goddesses provide people with a sense of hope in times of need and desperation. People spend hundreds of dollars on priests, ceremonies, and on traditions to please the gods and goddesses. Do something wrong and you will anger a god and all hell will break loose. So with people worshipping the ground for female religious figures, it raises the question, why can’t normal average women be given the same treatment?

The contradiction between how female goddesses are treated versus regular females is crazy. I know that there are many different factors that play into this, class system in particular. But, it doesn’t surprise me that Indian society is ignoring all the signs of abuse in front of them. The rights and freedom of women and children has been hindered for centuries. I know it will be hard to break traditional systems but it must be done. How can someone have a life where they are forced into marrying a man at the age of 8 or younger? How can someone have a life where they have no other option but to sell their body to pay the debt that their family has? How can someone turn a blind eye on the bruises and scars that are left on the arms, face and body of women and children?

I understand that my western beliefs cannot be imposed on their traditions and I understand that culture and tradition are in need. But traditional beliefs have allowed people to mask their ability to see what is right or wrong. Individuals should be treated equally. Why you ask?

Well first, why should you question this? Why should people be marginalized and treated differently based on class, culture, gender, race? Putting women lower than female religious figures is silly. If these goddesses were real, they would absolutely put these perpetrators to shame. But to answer this seemly obvious question;

It is our inherent human duty to respect and treat others how we want to be treated.

Women and children should be treated like goddesses. They are the future and deserve the right to have a life full of opportunities and happiness. I am grateful for the work that Save the Children has done and will continue to do. Campaigns like Save Our Sister and Abused Goddesses are needed to break barriers, to question the norms and generate discussion. Those who fail to see the importance of controversial campaigns such as this, fail to realize the impact it has on a global scale. I can guarantee that this campaign has sparked conversation between this contradiction.

And with that, I wonder if this has sparked something in you. Has this made you question anything?

Last night, while watching Glee with one of my students I finally heard Pharrell William’s song Happy for the first time. Of course, the cast of Glee brought a unique spin to the catchy, upbeat and uplifting song, but I was in love. Fast forward 12 hours later, Happy was on repeat for hours. Not because it is a great song but of all the great submissions in celebration of the second annual International Day of Happiness.

Mr. Pharrell Williams and the United Nations Foundations teamed up together for the second annual International Day of Happiness. In 2012, the General Assembly of the United Nations recognized the relevance and importance of happiness and well being as universal goals and aspiration in the lives of human beings around the world. The 2014 campaign was launched by Pharrel’s new website, 24 Hours of Happiness, where visitors can share their own moments of happiness by uploading videos to YouTube and Instagram to spread the message of #HappyDay. Throughout the day, Pharrell encouraged his fans to donate to the CN’s Central Emergency Response Fund and played his favourite submissions live throughout the day. Each hour, a new video from a different time zone appeared. Countries such as Brazil, Costa Rica, Japan, South Africa, England, and many more participated in this unique event. Below is a combination of a few of those videos that spread the message of happiness and joy. I recommend that you watch parts of the video, it will guarantee a smile.

The concept of spreading happiness and music just makes me happy. It is evident that music brings people together. It is freeing, brings hope, sunshine, love and overall happiness. I believe that happiness is the key to life. You could be the richest person in the world but without being truly happy with yourself and your surroundings then what is the point? Happiness could mean many different things to people. It could be the bite out of a freshly baked cookie,or getting greeted at the door by your little big pup. Happiness could be dancing around with a bunch of friends. I thought that the project was well market, that Pharrell was chosen to be highlighted in this campaign. Mr. Williams is an internationally acclaimed musician who has impacted the world in a positive way. His website, 24 Hours of Happiness, was successful in further spreading the message of #HappyDay. Utilizing social media outlets also helps spread the message of happiness while strategically urging fans to donate money to the Crisis Relief Fund. It is important to note that crisis relief, as a band aid can still provide happiness and hope to many children, women, and young families. Aid relief is also happiness to those negatively impacted by natural disaster or unexpected events.

As #HappyDay is slowly coming to a close, it is important to note and remember that every single human being deserves to be happy. To be given the opportunity to love life and their surrounding environments. Music brings people together and it is something that shouldn’t be forgotten. Happiness means many different things to many people but it is important to remember to find your happiness, whatever it may be.